2019 - 2020 LEGISLATURE

2019 Senate BILL 225

May 23, 2019 - Introduced by Senators Petrowski, Bewley, Erpenbach, Marklein, Ringhand, Risser, Smith, L. Taylor and Wanggaard, cosponsored by Representatives Snyder, Skowronski, Brostoff, Anderson, Dittrich, Duchow, Edming, Katsma, Kulp, B. Meyers, Milroy, Murphy, Mursau, Novak, Oldenburg, Petryk, Ramthun, Subeck, Tauchen, Vruwink and VanderMeer. Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services.

SB225,1,4 An Act to repeal 15.197 (22m) and 146.695 (1) (a), (2), (3) and (5); to consolidate, renumber and amend 146.695 (1) (intro.) and (b); and to create 15.197 (22m) and 146.695 of the statutes; relating to: establishing a Palliative Care Council.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

This bill establishes a Palliative Care Council within the Department of Health Services. Under the bill, DHS is required to establish a statewide palliative care consumer and professional information and education program and must make available on its Internet site information and resources regarding palliative care. The bill requires the council to consult with and advise DHS on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, operation, and outcome evaluation of the program established by DHS. The council must also consult with and advise DHS regarding 1) the impact palliative care has on families and the experiences of families that have used or had a family member use palliative care services; 2) establishing a system for identifying patients or residents who could benefit from palliative care and determining how to provide information about and facilitate access to appropriate palliative care services for patients or residents with serious illnesses; and 3) any other issues relating to palliative care arising through meetings or discussions, as the council determines appropriate, but not including physician-assisted suicide. The bill also requires the council to submit biennial reports providing its analysis regarding certain issues relating to palliative care, including the availability of palliative care, barriers to greater access to such care, and the impact of palliative care on families that have experience with palliative care services. The council and DHS program sunset effective July 1, 2024.

For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

SB225,1 Section 1. 15.197 (22m) of the statutes is created to read:

SB225,2,4 15.197 (22m) Palliative care council. (a) There is created in the department of health services a palliative care council. The council shall consist of the following members:

SB225,2,7 1. Not more than 20 members appointed, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, by the secretary of health services to serve for terms ending July 1, 2024, including all of the following:

SB225,2,10 a. Three physician members, including one who is board certified in hospice and palliative care, one who is board certified in pediatric palliative care, and one anesthesiologist.

SB225,2,12 b. Two palliative care practitioners, one of whom must be an advanced practice registered nurse who is board certified in palliative care.

SB225,2,14 c. Four health care professionals, including a nurse, a social worker, a pharmacist, and a spiritual care professional.

SB225,2,17 d. Three patient advocates from established patient advocacy groups, including one who has experience advocating for the rights of patients with disabilities.

SB225,2,19 e. One representative from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health with an interest in palliative care.

SB225,3,2 f. One representative from the Medical College of Wisconsin with expertise in palliative care.

SB225,3,4 g. One representative from the department of health services with expertise in palliative care.

SB225,3,6 h. One representative to the assembly appointed by the speaker of the assembly.

SB225,3,8 i. One representative to the assembly appointed by the minority leader of the assembly.

SB225,3,9 j. One senator appointed by the president of the senate.